“We're looking for a combination of culinary chops, star power, and the ability to handle the pressures of intense television production, and that's difficult to find in any one person,” said Bob Tuschman, Senior Vice President, Programming and Production. “This season, the finalists are exceptionally talented. Frankly, we put them through the ringer to find out who really deserved to join our pantheon of stars.”

That's right, they're bringing out the big guns. And you know they're going to need it when you consider who they're going up against.

Yep, the two-hour premiere begins this coming Sunday at 9:00 p.m. Eastern, which means I'll be catching it on tape or via a rebroadcast due to my Sopranos loyalty. Of course, they'll be done in a few weeks and I'll be able to tune in more regularly. My sleep pattern will greatly appreciate this.